Pirate role is close to Depp's soul

HOLLYWOOD, June 19 (UPI) -- Johnny Depp's role in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" earned him $20 million, after decades of starring in marginal Hollywood films.

Depp had developed a reputation for appearing in strange but interesting movies, playing characters like Edward Schissorhands, Ed Wood, Hunter S. Thompson and Gilbert Grape, Newsweek reported.

But Depp's marriage and foray into fatherhood led him to make a movie that would appeal to his kids. In a visit to the Disney studio, he told chairman Dick Cook he might like to be a voice in a Pixar movie. Cook mentioned the upcoming "Pirates of the Caribbean" film and Depp got excited, Newsweek said.

Depp's interpretation of the Capt. Jack Sparrow character defied the stereotype.

"The studio was, like, 'Is he gay? Is he drunk? We don't know what he's doing!'" said producer Jerry Bruckheimer. But his odd performance was what made the movie a hit.

"It's the closest part he's ever played to his real self," said director John Waters. "First of all, Johnny is a pirate in real life," he said.